grantmakers as catalysts for change: empowering communities to strengthen their voice
TRANSCRIPT
Grantmakers as Catalysts for Change:
Empowering Communities to Strengthen their
Voice
“Can we all get along?”The California Collaborative
The Value of the Collaborative
A terrific stakeholder vetting process.
Helps me understand the dizzying change that is health care reform.
… influence systems change … a voice for consumer's rights … focus on barriers, access, timelines, policies, and rights
… a trusted and respected voice on policy and programs …
… shapes the Legislature's thinking …
… great for information … assists the state to think in new ways
A Vision for United Action19 Regional Coalitions
Northern California
Gold Country
Bay Area
Central Valley
Central Coast
Los Angeles
The O.C.
San Diego
“Inland Empire”
Regional Coalitions and the California Collaborative
Consumers
Providers Health Plans
State and Federal Agencies
Methods (the budget covers…)
• Weekly statewide meetings• Monthly regional calls• Semi-annual conferences• A website for the Collaborative
• Links to the “Community of Constituents”• Promotes member activities
• A strategy to reach media
Accomplishments (what you get)
• Senior and disability groups together– ▪ A mission and principles
• Consensus formed• Vision shared with decision makers• A go-to stakeholder group• Changes in statute and agency practice
We’re in the same fox hole, we’d better bandtogether.
A New Website for theCalifornia Collaborative
Check out LTSS podcasts: http://www.ccltss.org/information-resources/podcasts
OVERVIEW
Our Shared Vision withAtlantic Philanthropies
Who We Are
What We Do
Spotlight on State Advocacy
Follow Us(Tweet Now)
Twitter:@diverseelders
Facebook:Facebook.com/diverseelders
diverseelders.org
Our Commonalities Unite Us: National diverse aging organizations were advocating for similar solutions, yet not working together
Together, We are Stronger: Our member organizations are experts in the distinctive needs of their communities and influential players in the federal advocacy arenaUnusual Degree of Access: To underserved racial, ethnic and cultural communities in rural areas, cities and regions throughout the U.S.
Our Shared Vision
Who We Are
What We Do
Address the Profound Challenges facing Diverse Elders: This includes economic vulnerability, poor health and health care access, cultural and linguistic challenges, among others.
Policy Reform. Increased Awareness of our Issues:This includes federal policy reform, state advocacy, community education and engagement, among others.
Support Outreach & Enrollment Efforts in 3 States; Build Capacity to Reach Older People of Color and LGBT Older People
Create Educational Resources for Older Consumers
Produce Policy Resources for Health & Aging Advocates about the Health Issues facing Diverse Elders
Spotlight:State Specific
Advocacy
• Georgia• Bhutanese Elders• LGBT Elders
• New Mexico• Native American Elders
• Florida• Hispanic Elders
Spotlight:State Specific
Advocacy
Spotlight:Georgia
Increasing Capacity of Grassroots Organizations:Providing much needed resources to underserved communities of color
Connecting Unlikely Allies:Partnering LGBT aging and Bhutanese advocates to work across issues, find commonalities and improve the health of their communities
The California Senior
Leaders Program
Diana Carpenter-MadoshiClass of 2010 &
Co-Chair of the California Senior Leaders Steering Committee
The Senior Leaders Story
A program is born
Founded in 2002, with funding from California Wellness Foundation.– Recognize outstanding senior volunteers in CA
Fall nominations/applications accepted~80 seniors nominated, 30 outstanding seniors are
selected by a committeeDiversity represented across: geography, race, ethnicity,
sexual orientation, areas of interest, experience
Commitment to healthy aging and social justice.
…Over 15 months
Awards & Recognition 3-day event– Training: Media Advocacy, Fundraising, Networking,
Inspirational and Strategy Sharing Circles– Presentation of Award & $500 – Working groups led by Graduate Students
• Policy, Working with youth & families, Building Stronger Communities, Rural, Healthy Aging
Regional Summer ReunionsTechnical support: Community building/health
aging projects
Since then…
Cohorts in: 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012– Over 100 seniors
recognizedIncoming class of 2014
Results: Visibility and Empowerment
“It feels good to see an organization honor seniors work they have been doing for years. It was an honor to be recognized with other seniors and elders...”
“The event was a catalyst to come together and learn and to help each other. We are now a statewide network to assist each other.”
The California Senior Leaders Program
A means for sharing common bonds - a commitment to healthy aging, and a determination to help strengthen and work towards social justice in their communities.
A means to honor seniors for their invaluable contributions, celebrate the communities in which they live, and, by supporting them in this work, contribute to their own healthy aging as well.
A means for senior leaders to stay connected and share ideas with each other and with previous cohorts through regional reunions and the Senior Networker newsletter
…..a movement was brewing
CSLA Mission Statement
To promote, advocate for and contribute to the health and wellbeing of seniors, their families and communities statewide, through a diverse and grassroots coalition of California Senior Leaders.
CSLA Priority Areas
Economic Security Health Care Reform Transportation
CSLA goes to Sacramento for “CSLA Education and Advocacy Day”
State Assembly Member Jim Beall
“I don’t think outside the box. I think outside the warehouse.”
-Frank Rose
Frank Rose(1938-2011)
Grantmakers as Catalysts for Change:
Empowering Communities to Strengthen their
Voice